Apple says India antitrust probe relied on rivals' complaints

Apple asked India’s Competition Commission to set aside a July 2024 confidential report finding abusive conduct on its iOS app platform. In a June 25 filing, Apple said investigators had effectively “copy-pasted” submissions from rivals.

Investigators said Apple’s rules, including the requirement that developers use its own payment system, harmed competition. Apple denied that it held a dominant position in the way much larger technology companies do, saying its share of India’s smartphone market is under 6 percent. Counterpoint Research put Apple’s iPhone share in India at 9 percent, up from 7 percent in 2024.

The case began in 2021, when complaints from Together We Fight Society triggered the antitrust probe. A confidential CCI report in July 2024 found Apple had engaged in “abusive conduct” on the iOS app store and had improperly required use of its in-app payment system. Apple has rejected that finding and said forced changes to the App Store could damage an integrated business model it says is central to device security and user experience.

Apple’s filing also lands after a separate round of procedural pressure from the regulator. In April 2026, the CCI said Apple had not submitted financial data it had sought since October 2024. At a May 21 hearing, Apple won a final extension until June 25 to provide India-specific financial information, and it later agreed in early June to hand over that business data. Apple says remedies or penalties could create regulatory uncertainty and discourage investment in India’s digital economy. Its lawyers have also pointed to antitrust scrutiny in Europe and the United States. India had earlier antitrust action against Google, which was later required to change how it promotes Android. A closed-door hearing with all parties is scheduled for July 21.